Am I bound by what others think of me?

An inclination that lies deeply in human beings is that we want to have “credit” for the things we say and do. At the fall, sinSin is anything that goes against God’s will and His laws. To commit sin is to transgress or disobey these laws. The lust to sin dwells in human nature. In other words, it is contaminated and motivated by the sinful tendencies that dwell in all people as a result of the fall into sin and disobedience in the garden of Eden. This... More entered human nature, and thus even our best deeds, if they are not worked by God, became contaminated by sin. The fact of the matter is that we cannot do anything of ourselves which is truly worthy of receiving any honor.

A big enemyMost often when a Christian refers to his or her “enemies” they are speaking about the sin in their flesh and the temptations and lusts that arise from there. These are enemies because they tempt us to act contrary to the will of God. These can also be spiritual powers such as the spirit of the times which oppose the... More has been, and still is, to be acknowledged by people around me. Because it binds me and controls me so I’m not free to do the good that God works in me, and which I want to do.

If I have done something good which is worked by God, like being obedient to a scripture verse that has become clear to me, then the honor is God’s, and not mine.

Although this understanding lies there as a good foundation in my life, it definitely does not mean that I will never be tempted to seek honor. Because I am tempted – if I’m not aware of my nature, my thoughts are occupied with how I appear in the eyes of others. It is in my mind that temptation arises, and that is where it must be combated.

How can temptation be combated?

An important part of the full armor of God is mentioned in Ephesians 6:17: the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. For my part, it has proved to be the most effective weapon against temptations, and thus also against thoughts of receiving honor from people. The good thing about the Word of God – or scripture verses – is that they can be used again and again. The sword is not for single use. And it works every time.

There are some scriptures that I have used when the thought of honor has arisen. The first is in 1 Corinthians 4:7: “For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?” It’s a great weapon! Often I just say to myself, “What do you have that you haven’t been given?” The answer is: Nothing. Everything is by God’s grace, and all the honor belongs to Him. If I look for credit anyway, I steal something that does not belong to me. If I give God the glory, everything falls into its rightful place and I get a wonderful freedom from the heavy burden of standing before the face of man with the things that I do.

Another scripture that I have used as a weapon is in Romans 3:27: “Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? No, but by the law of faith.” As well as Galatians 1:10, “For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.” And that’s what I want, after all. Being a servant of Christ who can do good and bless those I meet in my way.

My focus must be to seek God’s glory, let Him guide me, and to find His will with my life. And in any case, the focus must not be to let myself be controlled by other people’s opinions and honor.

What does God say?

People’s opinions are changeable; sometimes they praise you right up to the clouds, other times you can be criticized. It’s not that which is important – but rather what God says about my life and my motives.

I am still tempted from time to time to seek honor from people, for example, thinking that I did something really well, or getting puffed up when I get praised or being afraid of criticism and being talked about in a negative way. But what is so great is that I know my enemy, and I know my weapons, and I know how to take up the fightAlmost all talk of battles and wars when concerning a Christian life refers to the inner battle that arises when a sinful thought tempts you. God’s Spirit and the flesh are at odds. When you have decided to only do God’s will and are being led by the Spirit, a conflict between the flesh and the Spirit arises: there is... More. Then my heart and mind can be kept pure, and that brings happiness and joy. It sets me free to hear what God wants to say to me.

I Am Crucified With Christ

This booklet is based on Paul’s words in Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with ChristJesus was physically crucified on the cross at Calvary. Though blameless, He took upon Himself the punishment for sin, which was death, so He could pay our debts and forgive us our sin if we are willing to believe in Him and follow Him the Apostle Paul wrote: “I have been crucified with Christ…” (Galatians 2:20) This is a metaphorical... More; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me …” Here Elias Aslaksen explains what this means and how the reader can have the same testimony as Paul in their own life.

ActiveChristianity® by Brunstad Christian Church explores how God’s Word challenges and empowers us to live 100% according to His will, so we no longer need to fall in sin, but can come to a life of victory.